For families needing support on a child with autism, the challenge is rarely in uncovering information about Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) - as much more challenging is determining how that approach may be tailored around one child, one family and the environments in which learning actually occurs. Acorn ABA puts an individual focus at the forefront, providing behaviour-analytic consultancy, training and supervision for families, schools, nurseries and other community settings across the UK.

Founded in 2017 by Sarah Walker, a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and UKBA (Cert), the organisation develops a service model which combines direct consultancy and training for the people responsible for putting programmes into practice; its work spans the home and educational environments, while its professional supervision extends to practitioners working towards behaviour-analysis credentials.

Who is Acorn ABA?

Acorn ABA is a UK provider specialising in Applied Behaviour Analysis for individuals with autism and their families. With a team that includes consultants and supervisors working in different parts of the country, its expertise covers home programmes, schools and other settings. The company says that its consultants hold both UKBA (Cert) and BCBA credentials and are members of the UK Society of Behaviour Analysis; its supervisors have substantial field experience, plus at least a master's degree.

The company's origins are bound up with Walker's own career in ABA. Having started as an ABA tutor on home based programmes, she trained as a behaviour analyst and completed a master's degree in ABA and her work has included school and home settings, as part of the team involved in establishing a state ABA free school in the UK. She founded Acorn ABA in 2017.

The organisation says its purpose is to provide behaviour-analytic services, but make ABA more accessible and communicate the science via a values-led approach; compassion, acceptance, cooperation and honesty are identified as its core values.

How does Acorn ABA build an ABA programme?

A defining feature of the company's service is that programmes are developed around the learner rather than delivered as a standard package. The process begins with an initial, no obligation telephone discussion, to allow the family and consultant to assess whether the service is a fit; observation then takes place, with the company seeking to understand the learner across settings, where possible, including at home and school.

Assessment comes next; the team will look at existing skills as well as factors that may be a creating barriers to learning. The approach to assessment is selected according to what has been observed and discussed and the family receives a written summary and programme recommendations. A personalised programme can then be created from these findings.

This assessment-led process is important, since ABA is not simply a set of teaching exercises. It uses observation, measurement and analysis to understand behaviour and inform strategies for teaching skills or addressing a behavioural challenge. Acorn ABA describes behavioural services as being ongoing and tailored to the individual, with plans updated as the assessment information is changed.

What services and solutions does Acorn ABA provide?

The company's core offering is ABA consultancy and programme supervision. Support can be provided in a child's home or educational setting and Acorn ABA says it works collaboratively with other professionals involved in a learner's support. Once a programme has been established, a consultant oversees its implementation, with additional supervisory input as needed. Programme reviews and team meetings are typically held at intervals of two to six weeks and written notes are supplied following supervision sessions to record changes and progress.

Training forms a substantial part of the offering. Acorn ABA provides training for parents, ABA teams and educational settings, including inset-day sessions and one-to-one training focused on particular subjects. This means the service is not limited to the consultant's direct involvement; parents, tutors and school staff can also develop the knowledge needed to implement an individual programme, consistently.

The company also provides tutor training workshops and parent training workshops, for different participants to understand the principles and practical application of ABA. Its website also lists continuing education training, and identifies the organisation as an ACE provider. Online group training sessions are offered periodically, with current courses published through its online training section.

Another part of the service portfolio is professional supervision. With its consultants holding UKBA (Cert) and BCBA credentials, Acorn ABA can supervise professionals working towards relevant qualifications. The company also offers oversight for individuals completing competency assessment and ongoing supervision associated with the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential. Walker also offers mentorship and supervision to UKBA (Cert) practitioners and BCBAs.

Which assessment and teaching approaches are supported?

The breadth of tools used by the team reflects the different skills and needs that can arise within an ABA programme. Acorn ABA lists experience in using assessment and curriculum resources including VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, AFLS, Essentials for Living, PECS, Makaton, Social Thinking, Socially Savvy, PEAK, AIM, an Early Intervention Behavioural Curriculum, PEERS and Active Support.

The practical value of this range is in communication, social interaction, academic learning, independence and everyday living skills requiring different approaches. Rather than presenting one curriculum as universally suitable, the company's stated process links assessment to the programme developed for each learner.

Sarah Walker | Senior ABA Consultant, Director

“We offer a number of different ABA training services for parents and teachers.”